On illegal logging

Regarding your article on illegal logging in Tanjung Puting National Park (The Jakarta Post, July 27, 2000), we would like to correct two points.

In a meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid on July 25, 2000 the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Telapak Indonesia were encouraged to receive his support to crack down on the timber-baron responsible for looting this protected area. Although nominated by the Functional Group (Golkar), Abdul Rasyid is a regional representative in the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), not "from Golkar" as stated in your article.

The President also supported a two-year moratorium on ramin timber exports by using the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) international mechanism -- not a suspension of all timber exports as reported in your article.

Placing ramin on Appendix 3 of CITES with a zero quota for two years will provide an international mechanism to help prevent the illegal export and import of this timber species.

EIA and Telapak Indonesia welcome his concern and will continue to campaign until this unique area is cleared of illegal loggers and the timber-baron is held accountable.

A. RUWINDRIJARTO

Executive Director

Telapak Indonesia

DAVE CURREY

Director EIA

Bogor, West Java